lumpectomy after reconstruction

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sjoc
sjoc Member Posts: 133
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
lumpectomy after reconstruction
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  • sjoc
    sjoc Member Posts: 133
    edited March 2010

    I had a mx in 5/06 and justf inished reconstruction last year with a silicone implant.  Found a new lump last month.  Saw a radiologist  today, had an ultrasound and it shows a solid mass in the reconstructed breast.  Is it possible to have a lumpectomy without damaging the implant?  Radiologist and oncologist both recommend removing the lump for a biopsy.  Thanks for your help.

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2010

    I'm sorry for this recent development. A skilled surgeon should be able to navigate around the implant to the lump depending where it is. If the lump is superficial to the implant, with care it should be able to be dissected around and removed. Same for lateral if the implant can be moved more to your chest bone. A lump behind the implant would be most difficult, and may require removing the implant but I don't know what they do then.

    Newer models of silicone implants even when ruptured are reported to hold their position, i.e, not seep around like the liquid silicone. In the event your implant is nicked, a new implant could be available for insertion. If there is a question of the implant integrity after the procedure, MRI's are usually able to show compromise of the implant. Nothing is ever 100% though, so clinical and patient judgement need to weigh in.

    Good luck and thinking benign thoughts for you.

    Tender

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